Position indicating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A position indicating apparatus for an elevator system is remotely located from a position sensing apparatus in a structure having n number of floors and a corresponding n number of position indicators which are electrically divided into a plurality of P number of groups. N number of conductors are employed for connecting the n number of position indicators to the position sensing apparatus as determined by the formula N A+P where A is equal to n divided by P with the quotient increased to the next whole number if fractionalized.

United States Patent [191 Lindegger 11 3,783,975 Jan. 8, 1974 POSITION INDICATING APPARATUS Inventor: Robert Lindegger, Scarborough,

- Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: Armor-Elevator Company, Inc.,

Louisville, Ky.

Filed: June 7, 1972 Appl. No.:-260,429

US. Cl. 187/29 R, 307/30 Int. Cl. H02j 1/00 Field'of Search 187/29; 307/29, 30,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,408,502 10/1968 Gardner 187/29 Primary ExaminerBernard A. Gilheany Assistant Examiner-W. E. Duncanson, Jr. AttorneyAndrus et al.

57 ABSTRACT 11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 7 L- JL Z 4 I a K L Y Z; I [4 p] /z a y g /7 Z4 \\O o g a zz Q-Q o 0% o (T).

1 POSITION INDICATING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an elevator system having a position means for providing position signals in response to the relative position of an elevator car with respect to a plurality of floors.

. trol the elevator operation and further to notify passengers, repairmen and possible supervisors of the elevator car position. The position sensing apparatus has been associated with the elevator control circuit in a penthouse above the uppermost floor or in a basement floor or perhaps could be connected with the traveling car. in turn, the position indicating apparatus has been employed within an elevator car for informing car passengers of the relative car position with respect to the plurality of floors so that they may exit at the desired floor. Car position indicators have also been employed at landings to inform prospective passengers of the relative position of the traveling car with respect to the plurality of floors which, when employed for a bank of two or more cars, allows prospective passengers to antici pate the next arriving car. In addition, the position indicating apparatus has also been employed at starters stations in a common control panel located at the lower terminal landing while additional indicators may be located within a penthouse or at other locations to facilitate the work of repairmen. The position indicating apparatus which provides position control signals may also be used with the elevator control circuit to control the starting and stopping of elevator cars and also, in some installations, to control the particular traffic patterns.

The increased size of structures having a large number of floors has necessitated an increase in the length and number of conductors to connect a position sensing apparatusto a remotely located position indicating apparatus.

One known system has reducedthe number of .conductors required between a position sensing apparatus and a position indicating apparatus by providing a plurality of indicator lamps which are electrically divided and parallel connected in groups of two across different pairs of feed wires and driven with opposite polarization. ln such a system, the voitage applied to the various pairs of wires is commutated to effect the illumination of the position indicator lamps in accordance with the position of the car.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an elevator system having a position means for providing position signals in response to the relative position of an elevator car with respect to a plurality of floors. This invention is particularly directed to an electrical circuit for reducing the number of electrical conductors which connect a position sensing apparatus to a remotely located position means.

In accordance with the invention, an elevator car is mounted for movement relative to a structure having a plurality of floors and is selectively controlled by a control means for moving the car and stopping at selected floors with the control means further providing a position sensing means. A position indicating means is remotely located from the position sensing means and includes first and second groups each having a plurality. of indicators, with each of the indicators representing one of the floors. A first plurality of power conductors is provided with certain of the first conductors electrically connected to selected ones of the indicators in the first and second groups while a second plurality of power conductors is provided with each of the second conductors electrically connected to one group of the indicators.

A connecting means selectively electrically connects certain of the first and second, pluralities of power conductors to the power source and includes first and second groups of switch means corresponding to the first and second groups of indicators. Specifically, certain of the first conductors are each connected to one of the first group switch means and to one of the second group switch means while one of the second conductors is connected to the first group switch means and another of the second conductors is connected to the second group switch means. The sensing means includes a plurality of switch control means representing the plurality of floors which are selectively operated in response to the position of the car for selectively operating the first and second groups of switch means.

The connecting means may alternatively provide a plurality of second switch control means which are operatively connected to the power source by the first and second groups of switch means Specifically, one of the second switch control means is electrically connected to the first group switch means while another of the second switch control me'ansis electrically connected to the second group switch means. The second switch control means provides associated switch means for selectively connecting the second conductors to the power source.

In another aspect of the invention, a position means is remotely located from the sensing means for providing position signals indicating the relative position of the car withrespect to a plurality of n number of floors and includes n number of first terminals and n number of second terminals. The plurality of first and second terminals are divided into a plurality of P number of groups. A conductive means is provided for operatively connecting the first and second terminals to a power source and includes N numberof conductors as determined by the formula N A i P where A is equal to N divided by P having the quotient increased to the next whole number if fractionalized'. Specifically, the second terminals within each group are operatively connected to the power source by single conductors while the initial first terminals in each of the P groups are operatively connected to the power source by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding first terminals in each of the P groups also operatively connected to the power source by single conductors. The N number of conductors are selectively electrically connected to the power source by a connecting means in response to the operation of the sensing means to provide a position signal in response to the position of the car with respect to the plurality of floors.

In a further aspect of the invention, the sensing means includes n number of switch control means corresponding to the n number of floors which are selectively operated in accordance with the relative position of the car with respect to theplurality of floors. The connecting means includes 2n number of switch means for selectively connecting the N number of conductors to the power source in response to the selective operation of the n number of switch control means.

In an alternative form of the invention, the sensing means includes n number of switch control means corresponding to the n number of floors which are selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of the car with respect to the floors. The connecting means includes n number of switch means connected to the power source and electrically controlled by the n number of switch control means. The n number of switch means are divided into a plurality of P number of groups with the initial switch means in each of the P groups connected to the position means by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding switch means in each of the P groups similarly connected by single conductors. In addition, P number of switch control means having P number of associated switch means are operatively connected to the power source by the n number of switch means with the initial switch means in the P groups connected to the initial P switch control means with succeeding corresponding n switch means in the P groups also connected to sueceeding corresponding P switch control means. The P number of switch means thus operatively connect the position means to the power source with each of the P switch means connected to the position means by a single conductor.

In a specific form of the invention, first, second third and fourth position indicators corresponding to four floors in a building are provided having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second, third and fourth output terminals respectively. A first conductor is electrically connected to the first and third input terminals, a second conductor is electrically connected to the second and fourth input terminals, a third conductor is electrically connected to the first and second output terminals, while a fourth conductor is electrically connected to the third and fourth output terminals. A connecting means is connected to the first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined conductors to the power source in response to the operation of the sensing means to electrically energize one of the indicators in accordance with the position of the car with respect to the plurality of floors.

The specific form of the invention includes first, second, third and fourth relays each corresponding to one of the floors which are selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of the car with respect to the plurality of floors. The connecting means thus includes first through eighth sets of contacts each connected to the power source with the first and fifth contacts controlled by the first relay, the second and sixth contacts controlled by the second relay, the third and seventh contacts controlled by the third relay, and the fourth and eighth contacts controlled by the fourth relay. The first and third contacts are further electrically connected to the first conductor, the second and fourth contacts electrically connected to the second conductor, the fifth and sixth contacts electrically connected to the third conductor, and the seventh and eighth contacts electrically connected to the fourth conductor.

In an alternative specific form of the invention, the connecting means includes first, second, third and fourth sets of contacts electrically connected to the power source and controlled by the first, second, third and fourth relays, respectively. The first and third contacts are further connected to the first conductor while the second and fourth contacts are connected to the second conductor. A fifth relay is connected to the power source and to the first and second contacts while a sixth relay is connected to the power source and to the third and fourth contacts. A fifth set of contacts are connected to the third conductor and are electrically controlled by the fifth relay while a sixth set of contacts are connected to the fourth conductor and are electrically controlled by the sixth relay.

In a preferred form of the invention, the first through fourth input terminals include diodes while in the alternative form of the invention the' first through fourth contacts are electrically connected to the first and second conductors and to the fifth and sixth relays through diodes. I

The subject invention may therefore be employed for any number of floors by grouping the input-terminals and connecting the designated number of conductors in accordance with the formula set forth to reduce the required number of conductors required for connecting a position sensing apparatus to a remotely located position indicating apparatus in an economical manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings furnished herewith illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor and clearly disclose the above advantages and features, as well as others which will be readily understood from the detailed description thereof.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view with parts in elevation of an elevator system which illustrates a position indicating apparatus located within an elevator car;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a floor position sensing circuit illustrating a four floor operation;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a control circuit for operating the position indicating apparatus shown in FIG. I in response to the operation of the sensing circuit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an alternative control circuit for operating the position indicating apparatus shown in FIG. I in response to the operation of the sensing circuit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5'is a schematic of a fioor position sensing circuit similar to the circuit of FIG. 2 but illustrating a thirty floor operation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a control circuit similar to the circuit of FIG. 3 for operating a position indicating apparatus such as shown in FIG. l in response to the operation of the sensing circuit of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative control circuit similar to the circuit of FIG. 4 for operating a position indicating apparatus such as shown in FIG. 1 in response to the operation of the sensing circuit of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the illustrated embodiment of the invention includes an elevator apparatus 1 having an elevator car 2 which vertically travels within a structure to service a plurality of floors. Specifically, car 2 is vertically moved by the operation of a driving motor 3 which receives power from a power source 4 and is controlled through an electrical control circuit designated generally as controller 5. The elevator apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 may utilize any known control system for selectively moving car 2 from floor to floor either by manual control or automatic control in response to service demand as registered by passengers riding within car 2 and registered at the plurality of landings. Thus, the controller 5 could utilize the elevator dispatching and control system as described and claimed in the patent to K. M. White et al., US. Pat. No. 2,854,096 issued on Sept. 30, 1958, and assigned to a common assignee. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, electrical power is supplied to the car 2 through the controller 5 and a power cable 6.

A floor position indicator 7 is diagrammatically shown within car 2 and provides a series of numerals which are successively and selectively illuminated as car 2 travels from one floor to another for indicating the car position to passengers riding within the car.

Of particular importance to the subject invention, the controller 5 provides a switch, control means for determining the position of car 2 with respect to the plurality of floors which may take the-form of a floor selector well known to those skilled in the art. One type of floor selector provides a brush carriage which is driven by motor 3 through the shaft 8 in direct response to the vertical movement of car 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the floor selector provides a-brush 9 which vertically moves in response to the operation of shaft 8 to selectively engage a plurality of brushes 10 according to the position of car 2 relative to the plurality of floors. Specifically, the selector illustrated in FIG. 2 is for a four floor structure with the brush 9 connected to a power source lead designated L- while a plurality of relays designated Fl through F4 corresponding to the first through fourth floors, respectively, are connected to a power source lead designated L+. It is understood that the power conductors designated L+ and L- are connected to the power source 4 so that the relays Fl' through F4 are selectively energized through the electrical contact of brush 9 with the contacts 10 in accordance with the relative position of car 2 with respect to the plurality of floors. FIG. 2 specifically illustrates the energization of the second floor relay F2 whichsenses that car 2 is at the second floor.

FIG. 3 provides a control circuit 11 for selectively energizing the position indicator 7 illustrated in'FIG. l in response to the operation of the four floor selector illustrated in FIG. 2. v

With specific reference to the circuitry shown in FIG. 3, the leads designated as L+ and L are electrically connected to the power source 4 while the position in- The plurality of position indicating lights L1 through L4 are operatively connected to the power source 4 by a plurality of conductors contained in a cable such as at 6 in FIG. 1 and by the operation of a connecting means provided by the controller 5. Specifically, a first conductor 20 is connected to indicator Ll through the input terminal 12 and diode D1 and is also connected to indicator L3 through the input terminal 16 and diode D3. A second conductor 21 is connected to indicator L2 through the input terminal 14 and the diode D2 and is also connected to the indicator L4 through the input terminal 18 and the diode D4. A third conductor 22 is connected to indicators L1 and L2 through the output terminals 13 and 15, respectively, while a fourth conductor 23 is connected to the indicators L3 and L4 through the output terminals 17 and 19, respectively.

The connecting means for connecting the plurality of conductors 20 through 23 to the power leads designated L+ and L- includes a plurality of switch means which are operated by the switch control means of the position sensing means as specifically provided by the dicator 7 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shownin phantom in FIG. 3. The position indicator 7 includesa plurality of position indicating lights L1 through L4 corresponding to the first through fourth floors, respectively, with light Ll connected to an inputterminal. 12 through a diode D1 and further connected to an output terminal 13, light L2 connected to an input terminal 14 through a diode D2 and further connected to an output terminal 15, light L3 connected to an input terminal 16 through a diode D3 and further connected to an output terminal 17, and light L4 connected to an input terminal 18 through a diode D4 and further connected to an output terminal 19. The diodes D1 through D4 ensure proper electrical installation with the power leads L+ and L- so that the indicator 7 functions in a desired manner.

floor position relays Fl through F4 shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the conductor 20 is selectively connected to the power lead L+ by either a first set of contacts Fl-l controlled by relay F1 or a third set of contacts F3-l controlled by relay F3. The conductor 21 is selectively connected to the power lead L+ by either a second set of contacts F2-1 controlled by relay F2 or a fourth set of contact F4-1 controlled by relay F4. The conductor 22 is selectively connected to power lead L- by either a fifth set of contacts F1-2 controlled by relay F1 or a sixth set of contacts F2-2 controlled by relay F2. Lastly, the conductor 23' is connected to the power lead L- by either a seventh set of contacts F3-2 controlled by relay F3 or an eighth set of contacts F4-2 controlled by the relay F4.

The illustrated operation of the sensing means in FIG. 2 shows the second floor relay F2 energized indicating that car 2 is located at-the second floor. The contacts F2-1 and F2-2 of the connecting means therefore close, completing an electrical circuit to energize and illuminate the indicator L2 through the circuit as traced from power lead L+, contacts F2-1, conductor 21, input terminal 14, diode D2, indicator L2, output terminal 15, conductor 22, contacts F2-2 to the power lead L. p I

The circuit shown in FIG. 3 and above described therefore illustrates one form of the invention which provides a position means for use with a structure having n number of floors and providing position signals indicating the position of an elevator car with respect to the plurality of floors. As contemplated by the inven-. tion, an n number of first terminals, illustrated at 12, 14, 16 and 18 in FIG. 3, and an n number of second terminals, illustrated at 13, 15, 17 and 19 in FIG. 3, of the position means are divided into a plurality of P number of groups. Thus, a two group connection is illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein the first terminals 12 and 14 and the second terminals 13 and 15'are, included in a first group while the first terminals 16 and 18 and the second terminals l7 and 19 are included in a second group. The

number of conductors N required by the conductive n divided by P increased to the next whole number if fractionalized. Thus, for a four floor operation, the number N of conductors required by grouping the first and second terminals into two groups as above described would be determined by the formula as follows:

4/2+2=4 conductors I As shown in FIG. 3, the four required conductors are utilized to operatively connect the first and second terminals to the power source. Specifically, the second terminals 13 and 15 of the first group are operatively connected to the power source by the single conductor 22 while the second terminals 17 and 19 of the second group are operatively connected to the power source by the single conductor 23. The initial of the first terminals in the first and second groups, or namely input terminals 12 and 16, are operatively connected to the power source by a single conductor 20 while succeeding corresponding first terminals iii each of the first and second groups, such as input terminals 14 and 18, are operatively connected to the power source by single conductors, such as by conductor 21.

An alternative control circuit is shown in FIG. 4 for selectively energizing the position indicator 7 in re sponse to the operation of the floor selector illustrated in FIG. 2. Elements in FIG. 4 which are similar or identical to elements shown and described in FIG. 3 will be similarly numbered and not described in detail. Of particular interest, a fifth switch control means or relay 24 and a sixth switch control means or relay 25 are connected to the power lead L and are further operatively connected to the power lead L+ by the first through fourth sets of contacts. -Specifically, the fifth relay 24 is operatively connected to the power source by either the first set of contacts Fl-l through a diode 26 or the second set of contacts F2-1 through a diode 27. The sixth relay 25 is operatively connected to the power source by either the third set of contacts F3-l through a diode 28 or the fourth-set of contacts F4-l through a diode 29.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a fifth set of switch means or contacts 24-] are controlled by the relay 24 for operatively connecting the third conductor 22 to the power lead L while a sixth set of switch means or contacts 25-1 are controlled by the relay 25 for operatively connecting the fourth conductor 23 to the power lead L.

A plurality of isolating diodes are also provided to connect the first through fourth sets of contacts to the first and second conductors with the contacts Fl-l connected to the conductor 20 through a diode 30, the contacts F2-l connected to the conductor 21 through a diode 31, the contacts F3-1 connected to the conductor 20 through a diode 32, and the contacts F4-l connected to the conductor 21 through a diode 33.

Operation of the embodiment of FIG. 4 will be explained assuming that car 2 islocated at the second floor to energize the second floor relay F2 shown in FIG. 2. As previously explained, the energization of relay F2 closes the contacts F2-1 which, in turn, energizes the fifth relay 24 which operatively closes the contacts 24-1. Energization of the second floor relay F2 thus energizes the position indicator L2 as traced through the circuit from power lead'L+, contacts F2-1, diode 31, conductor 21, input terminal 14, diode D2, position indicator L2, output terminal 15, conductor 22, and contacts 24-1 to the power lead L.

With reference to FIGS. 3' and 4, the first through fourth sets of contacts Fl-l through F4-l represent an n number of contacts each representing a particular floor in the structure and are controlled by the n number of relays F1 through F4. Thus, in one aspect of the invention, the n number of contacts are divided into a plurality of P number of groups in accordance with the division of the n number of first terminals into a like 1 number of groups. Specifically, the first and second sets of contacts Fl-l and F2-1 are considered in a first group while the thirdand fourth sets of contacts F3-1 and F4-1 are considered in a second group. The initial contacts in each of the first and second groups, such as contacts Fl-l and F3-1, are electrically connected to the position means 7 by a single conductor 20 while succeeding corresponding contacts in each of the first and second groups, such as contacts F2-l and F4-1, are electrically connected to the position means 7 by single conductors, such as conductor 21.

In another aspect of applicants invention, a plurality of P number of relays having a P number of associated contacts are provided which correspond to the grouping of the first and second terminals into a plurality of P number of groups. Asshown in FIG. 4, the fifth and sixth relays 24 and 25 provide a plurality of P relays and correspond to the first and second groups respec tively with the initial contacts in the first and second groups, namely, F1-1 and F3-1, connected to the initial relay 24 and succeeding corresponding contacts in the first and second groups, such as F2-1 and F4-1, connected to corresponding succeeding P relays, such ,as relay 25. The associated contacts 24-1 and 25-1 of the P relays 24 and 25, respectively, are each electrically connected to the position means 7 by single conductors, namely, conductors 22 and 23, respectively.

The advantages of applicants invention become readily apparent when incorporated into a structure having a large number of floors for reducing the number of conductors required. For example, a thirty floor building may arbitrarily be divided into three groups so that the optimum number of conductors required would be determined by the formula as followsi 30/3 3 13 conductors A ten floor building arbitrarily divided into three groups would require the following number of conductors for optimum installation:

10/3 3 7 conductors wfiereifiequbneaibr' IT) divided by 31 s fractional ized and therefore must be increased to the next whole number 4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the use of the invention described in FIGS. 2 and 3 for a thirty floor structure to require only 13 conductors for operatively connecting the 30 position indicators to the power source. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a selector mechanism similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2 and provides a plurality of relays F1 through F30 corresponding to the thirty floors which are selectively energized in accordance with the position of car 2, as previously explained.

The position means 7 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes indicators L1 through L30 connected to corresponding first or input terminals designed as TAl through TA30, respectively, through a plurality of diodes D1 through D30, respectively. The indicators L1 through L30 are also connected to second or output terminals designated as TBl through TB30, respectively. A plurality of conductors Pl through P13 are provided for operatively connecting the position means 7 to the power source as determined in accordance with the previously mentioned formula and as specifically calculated hereinbefore for a thirty floor building grouped into three groups.

Specifically, the position indicating lamps L1 through L30 are considered or divided into three groups with a first group including the indicators Ll through L10, a second group including the indicators L11 through L20, and a third group including the indicators L21 through L30. I

In accordance with the invention a single conductor such as P1 is connected to the initial of the first terminals in each group such as at input terminals TAl, TA11 and TA21. In addition, the succeeding corresponding first terminals in each of the groups is operatively connected to the power source by single conductors. For example, input. terminals TA2, TA12 and TA22 are mutually connected to conductor P2 while the input terminals TA10, TA20 and TA30 are connected to the conductor P10.

The second or output terminals TBl through TB30 are operatively connected to the power source through the conductors P11 through P13. Specifically, the output terminals TBl through TB are considered in the first group and are mutually connected to the conductor P11, the output terminals TBll through T1320 are considered in the second group and are mutually connected to the conductor P12, while the output terminals TB21 through T830 are considered in the third group and are mutually connectedto the conductor P13.

The connecting means for selectively connecting the plurality of conductors P1 through P13 to the power 7 source in FIG. 6 is provided by a plurality of contacts Fl-l through F30-1 and F1-2 through F30-2 which are operatively controlled by the floor position relays F1 through F30 which are shown in FIG. 5.

The conductors P1 through P10 are selectively connected to the power source in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3. Briefly, the conductor P1 is mutually connected to the contacts Fl-l controlled by the first floor position relay F1, the contacts Fll-l controlled by the eleventh floor position relay F11, and the contacts F21-1 controlled by the twentyfirst floor relay F21. The contacts Fl-l, F11-1 and F2l-1 represent the initial contacts in each grouping and it is evident that corresponding successive contacts in each group are mutually connected to a corresponding successive conductor.

The power conductors P11 through P13 are also selectively connected to the power source in a manner similar to that described-with respect to FIG. 3. Briefly, the plurality of contacts Fl-2 through F30-2 which are controlled by the position relays F1 through F30, respectively, are considered in three groups corresponding to the grouping of the second terminals TBl through TB30. Specifically, thecontacts F1-2 through F10-2 are considered in a first group, contacts F11-2 through F-2 considered in a second group, and contacts F2l-2 through F-2 considered in a third group. In accordance with one fo'rm of the invention, the contacts within each group are connected to the position means 7 by a single conductor. For example,

10 Y all the contacts F2l-2 through contacts F30-2 in the third group are electrically connected to the position means 7 by the single conductor P13.

FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the invention as embodied in FIG. 4 for a thirty floor structure which also requires only 13 conductors for operatively connecting the 30 position indicators to the power source. The elements in FIG. 7 which are substantially similar to those described and illustrated in FIG, 6 will be similarly designated and not described in detail. Of significant importance, a plurality of group relays designated 34, 35 and 36 are provided and correspond to the three groupconstruction.

Specifically, the group relay 34 is energized whenever car 2 is located within the first ten floors by the contacts F1-1 through Fl0-l through corresponding diodes. In a similar manner, the group relays 34 and 35 are also energized when the car 2 is located within the floors assigned to their respective groups. Thus, contacts F1 1-1 through F20-1 in the second group are electrically connected through associated diodes to selectively energize the group relay 35.

The group relays 33 through 35 provide associated contacts which operatively connect the conductors P11 through P13, respectively, to the power source. Specifically, contacts 33-1 are controlled by the group relay 33 and operatively connect conductor P1] to the power source. Contacts 34-1 are controlled by the group relay 34 and operatively connect the conductor P12 to thepower source. Furthermore, contacts 35-1 are controlled by the group relay 35 and operatively connect the conductor P13 to the power source.

Additional diodes are shown in FIG. 7 to connect the contacts F 1-1 through F30-1 to the respective conductors P1 through P10 in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to diodes 30 through 33 in FIG. 4. i

The power supplied to leads L+ and L- from the power source 4 may be of either the direct current (DC) or alternating current (A.C.) types. A reduced voltage type of lamp is generally employed for the position indicating lamps if an A.C. power source is utilized. Also, the group relays shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 and the position relays shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 when operating with an A.C. power source are of the proper voltage A.C. type of relay, although D.C. type of relays could be employed with appropriate capacitors parallel connected.

Although the switch means have been illustrated in the subject application as relay contacts, it is understood that any number of switching devices such as electrical solid state switching elements or the like could be employed. In addition, the switch control means of the subject invention could include a wide variety of devices which are capable of controlling the operation of the particular switching devices employed in accordance with the elevator car position.

The present invention thus provides a highly satisfactory position indicating apparatus which selectively energizes a plurality of position'indicators which are remotely located from a position sensing apparatus through a substantially low number of conductors to provide an economical system which may be easily installed.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims'particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a single power source, an elevator car. means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, compising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensingmeans for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors, said indicating means including first and second groups each having a plurality of indicators with each of said indicators representing one of said floors, a first plurality of power conductors with certain of said first conductors electrically connected to selected ones of said indicators in said first and second groups, a second plurality of power conductors each electrically connected to one group of said indicators, and connecting means connected to said first and second pluralities of power conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said single power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of saidcar with respect to said floors.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of switch control means each representing one of said floors and selectively operated in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, and said connecting means including a plurality of switch means connected to said single source and electrically coupled to be controlled by said switch control means and providing first and second groups of switch means corresponding respectively to said first and second groups of indicators with certain of said first conductors each connected to one of said first group switch means and to one of said second group switch means, and with one of said second conductors connected to said first group switch means and another of said second conductors connected to said second group switch means.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of first switch control means each representing one of said floors .and selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, said connecting means including a plurality of first switch means connected to said single source and electrically coupled to be controlled by said first switch control means and providing first and second groups of switch means corresponding to said first and second groups of indicators with certain of said first conductors each connected to one of said first group switch means and to one of said second group switch means, and a plurality of second switch control means operatively connected to said single source with one of said second switch control means connected to said first group switch means and another of said second switch control means connected to said second group switch means, said second switch control for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a position means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for providing position signals indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors, said position means including n number of first'terminals and n number of second terminals divided into a plurality of P number of groups, a conductive means for operatively connecting said first and second terminals to said power source including N number of conductors as determined by the formula N A P with A equal to n divided by P having thequotient increased to the next whole number if fractionalized and with said second terminals in each of said groups operatively connected to said power source by single conductors and the initial of said first terminals in each of said P groups operatively connected to said source by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding first terminals in each of said P groups operative connected to said source by single conductors, arid connecting means connected to said N number of conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to provide a position signal in response to the position of said car with respect to said floors.

5. The apparatus of claim'4, wherein said sensing means includes a pluralityof switch control means selectively operated in response to the relative position of said car with respect to said floorsand said connecting means includes a plurality of switch means responsive to the selective operation of said switch control means for selectively connecting said N number of conductors to said power source.

6. The apparatus of claim 4-, wherein said sensing means includes n number of switch control means corresponding to said n number of floors selectively operated in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said fioors, said connecting means including n number of switch means connected to said source and electrically controlled by said n number of switch control means, said n number of switch means divided into a plurality of P number of groups with the initial switch means in each of said P groups electrically connected to said position means by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding switch means in each of said P groups electrically connected to said position means by single conductors, and a'plurality of P number of switch control means having a P number of associated switch means with said P number of switch control means operatively connected to said source by said n number of switch means with the initial of said n number of switch means in said P groups connected to the initial of said P switch control means with succeeding corresponding ones of said n switch means in each of said P groups connected to a corresponding one of said P switch control means, said P number of associated switch means operatively connecting said position means to said source with each of said P switch means connected to said position means by a single conductor.

7. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a single power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors,

said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second third and fourth output terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second output terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected 'to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to 1 said single power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said single power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.

(Twice Amended) An elevator apparatus r653 said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means forindicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second, third and fourth output terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source in response to the operation of said sensing :means and including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sets of contacts each connected to said source with said first and fifth contacts controlled by said first relay, said second and sixth contacts controlled by said second relay. said third and seventh contacts controlled by said third relay, and said fourth and eighth contacts controlled by said fourth relay. said first and third contacts further electrically connected to said first conductor, said second and fourth contacts electrically connected to said second conductor, said fifth and sixth contacts electrically connected to said third conductor, and said seventh and eighth contacts electrically connected to said fourth conductor to electricallyenergize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.

9. (Twice Amended) An elevator apparatus for a structure havig a plurality of floors, a power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to servesaid floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors; including first, second, third and fourthr elays each cofiespdadifigtdah of said floors and selectively energized in accordance with the relative position 9f said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second, third and fourth otuput terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source inresponse to the operation of said sensing means and including first, second, third and t gthsstsv w itaqtssas s t sa y s sst to said source and controlled by said first, second, third and fourth relays-respectively, said first and third contacts further connected to said first conductor and said sec ond and f ourth contacts connected to said second conductor, afifth relay/ electrically connected to said first and second contacts and a sixth relay electrically connected to said third and fourth contacts, and afifth set of contacts connected to said third conductor and electrically controlled by said fifth relay and a sixth set of contacts connected to said fourth conductor and electrically controlled by said sixth relay to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.

I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,783, 975 Dated January 8, 1974 Inventor(s) 1 Robert Lin-degger It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 4 line 47 After "schematic" insert --view--- Col. l4 line l4 Cancel "havig" and substitute (Claim 9)v therefor ----hav ing Insert the following Claims 10 and 11:

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first, second, third and fourth input terminals include first, second, third, and fourth diodes, respectively.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first, second, third and fourth contacts are electrically connected to said first and second conductors through first, second, third and fourth diodes respectively 5 and further electrically connected to said fifth and I sixth relays'through fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth diodes respectively.---

Column 13, line 2g an'dcolumn 14, line 13, cancel "(Twice Amended)" I Signed and sealed this 16th day of July 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents F ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 6O376-P69 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE "C9 0-368-331.

Patent No. 3,7,83,975- Dated January 8, 1974 Inventor(s) Robert Lin-degger It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 4 line 47 After "schematic" insert --view-- Col. 14 line 14 Cancel "havig" and substitute (Claim 9) therefor --having- Insert the following Claims 10 and 11:

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first, second, third and fourth input terminals include first, second, third and fourth diodes, respectively.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first, second, third and fourth contacts are electrically connected to said first and second conductors through first, second, third and fourth diodes respectively 5 and further electrically connected to said fifth and sixth relays through fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth diodes respectively.--

Column 13, line 23 and column 14, line 13, cancel "(Twice Amended)" Signed and sealed this 16th day of July 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMWDC wanm" V U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE ISIS O3G8-334, 

1. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a single power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, compising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors, said indicating means including first and second groups each having a plurality of indicators with each of said indicators representing one of said floors, a first plurality of power conductors with certain of said first conductors electrically connected to selected ones of said indicators in said first and second groups, a second plurality of power conductors each electrically connected to one group of said indicators, and connecting means connected to said first and second pluralities of power conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said single power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to said floors.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of switch control means each representing one of said floors and selectively operated in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, and said connecting means including a plurality of switch means connected to said single source and electrically coupled to be controlled by said switch control means and providing first and second groups of switch means corresponding respectively to said first and second groups of indicators with certain of said first conductors each connected to one of said first group switch means and to one of said second group switch means, and with one of said second conductors connected to said first group switch means and another of said second conductors connected to said second group switch means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of first switch control means each representing one of said floors and selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, said connecting means including a plurality of first switch means connected to said single source and electrically coupled to be controlled by said first switch control means and providing first and second groups of switch means corresponding to said first and second groups of indicators with certain of said first conductors each connected to one of said first group switch means and to one of said second group switch means, and a plurality of second switch control means operatively connected to said single source with one of said second switch control means connected to said first group switch means and another of said second switch control means connected to said second group switch means, said second switch control means providing associated switch means to selectively connect said second conductors to said single source.
 4. An elevator apparatus for a structure having n number of floors, a power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a position means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for providing position signals indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors, said position means including n number of first terminals and n number of second terminals dIvided into a plurality of P number of groups, a conductive means for operatively connecting said first and second terminals to said power source including N number of conductors as determined by the formula N A + P with A equal to n divided by P having the quotient increased to the next whole number if fractionalized and with said second terminals in each of said groups operatively connected to said power source by single conductors and the initial of said first terminals in each of said P groups operatively connected to said source by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding first terminals in each of said P groups operative connected to said source by single conductors, and connecting means connected to said N number of conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to provide a position signal in response to the position of said car with respect to said floors.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of switch control means selectively operated in response to the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, and said connecting means includes a plurality of switch means responsive to the selective operation of said switch control means for selectively connecting said N number of conductors to said power source.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said sensing means includes n number of switch control means corresponding to said n number of floors selectively operated in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, said connecting means including n number of switch means connected to said source and electrically controlled by said n number of switch control means, said n number of switch means divided into a plurality of P number of groups with the initial switch means in each of said P groups electrically connected to said position means by a single conductor with succeeding corresponding switch means in each of said P groups electrically connected to said position means by single conductors, and a plurality of P number of switch control means having a P number of associated switch means with said P number of switch control means operatively connected to said source by said n number of switch means with the initial of said n number of switch means in said P groups connected to the initial of said P switch control means with succeeding corresponding ones of said n switch means in each of said P groups connected to a corresponding one of said P switch control means, said P number of associated switch means operatively connecting said position means to said source with each of said P switch means connected to said position means by a single conductor.
 7. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a single power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second third and fourth output terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second ouTput terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to said single power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said single power source in response to the operation of said sensing means to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.
 8. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, including first, second, third and fourth relays each corresponding to one of said floors and selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fourth input terminals respectively and first, second, third and fourth output terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source in response to the operation of said sensing means and including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sets of contacts each connected to said source with said first and fifth contacts controlled by said first relay, said second and sixth contacts controlled by said second relay, said third and seventh contacts controlled by said third relay, and said fourth and eighth contacts controlled by said fourth relay, said first and third contacts further electrically connected to said first conductor, said second and fourth contacts electrically connected to said second conductor, said fifth and sixth contacts electrically connected to said third conductor, and said seventh and eighth contacts electrically connected to said fourth conductor to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.
 9. An elevator apparatus for a structure having a plurality of floors, a power source, an elevator car, means mounting said car for movement relative to the structure to serve said floors, comprising control means for moving said car and for stopping said car at floors, said control means including means for sensing the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, including first, second third and fourth relays each corresponding to one of said floors and selectively energized in accordance with the relative position of said car with respect to said floors, a plurality of position indicating means remotely located with respect to said sensing means for indicating the position of said car with respect to said floors including first, second, third and fourth indicators representing four of said floors with said indicators having first, second, third and fOurth input terminals respectively and first, second, third and fourth output terminals respectively, a first conductor electrically connected to said first and third input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a second conductor electrically connected to said second and fourth input terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a third conductor electrically connected to said first and second output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, a fourth conductor electrically connected to said third and fourth output terminals and operatively connected to said power source, and connecting means connected to said first, second, third and fourth conductors for selectively electrically connecting predetermined ones of said conductors to said power source in response to the operation of said sensing means and including first, second, third and fourth sets of contacts each electrically connected to said source and controlled by said first, second, third and fourth relays respectively, said first and third contacts further connected to said first conductor and said second and fourth contacts connected to said second conductor, a fifth relay electrically connected to said first and second contacts and a sixth relay electrically connected to said third and fourth contacts, and a fifth set of contacts connected to said third conductor and electrically controlled by said fifth relay and a sixth set of contacts connected to said fourth conductor and electrically controlled by said sixth relay to electrically energize one of said indicators in accordance with the position of said car with respect to the plurality of floors.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first, second, third and fourth input terminals include first, second, third and fourth diodes, respectively.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first, second, third and fourth contacts are electrically connected to said first and second conductors through first, second, third and fourth diodes respectively and further electrically connected to said fifth and sixth relays through fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth diodes respectively. 